See Yourself Succeed: Why Putting Mirrors Are Your Putting Partners

What if there was a simple training aid that could help you diagnose and fix your putting woes? Enter the humble putting mirror. We’ve all been there: shanking a short putt, muttering under our breath about “yips” and questioning our entire putting game.

Why Mirrors Matter:

Putting mirrors aren’t some magical cure-all, but they offer a powerful advantage: self-awareness. By seeing your posture, alignment, and stroke mechanics reflected back at you, you can identify areas for improvement and make targeted adjustments. Here’s how mirrors can specifically help your putting:

• Alignment Wizard: Poor alignment is a major culprit for missed putts. A mirror lets you see if your putter face, shoulders, and eyes are aligned properly towards the target.
• Posture Perfect: A good putting posture promotes consistency and power. The mirror reveals hunched backs, swaying, or other postural issues that can disrupt your putting stroke.
• Stroke Clarity: Ever wonder if your putting stroke is truly straight back and straight through? The mirror provides a clear view of your entire stroke path, helping you identify any unwanted swaying or curving.
• Eye on the Ball: Many golfers struggle with keeping their eyes focused on the ball throughout the putt. The mirror allows you to see if your eyes are wandering, which can lead to misalignment and distance control issues.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Putting Green:

There are various putting mirrors available, from compact, portable options to larger models with alignment lines and gates. Regardless of the type, here are some tips to get the most out of your mirror training:

• Start Simple: Focus on one aspect of your putting at a time. For example, begin with checking alignment, then move on to posture or stroke mechanics.
• Slow and Steady: Focus on making smooth, controlled putts with proper form, not distance.
• Record Yourself: Film yourself putting with the mirror in the frame. Reviewing the footage allows for a more in-depth analysis of your putting mechanics.
• Match It Up: Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, find drills or exercises that target those specific issues.

Putting mirrors are a valuable tool for golfers of all skill levels. By providing immediate feedback and facilitating self-correction, they can help you diagnose problems, refine your technique, and ultimately sink more putts on the course.

So next time you’re on the practice green, consider grabbing a putting mirror. You might just see yourself becoming a putting pro!